Billy Currie, John Foxx and the other bugger Gary Numan, they not only introduced me to the Odyssey but to the whole world of Synthesizers. Thanks guys and thanks Sonicstate you are all stars in my eyes!
1st class review, best I've seen so far. Someone who knows what their on about makes a huge difference. I think it's a little pricey at the moment, definitely want one eventually though. Thanks for the review Dave S.
Alan R Pearlman didn’t deck that “real” Odyssey out with tacky Christmas tree lights, and David Friend was involved in the recreation. Feels like we’re playing knifey spooney here.
The original seems more out of control, thus creating more harmonics overall. Corporate decisions like tiny keys really make you wonder about who made the decision and their sanity.
Dave, you are one brilliant engineer. I've been a loyal user from almost day one, and ugh, what I wouldn't give to sit down and talk signal processing and EE with you...
First Odyssey was the white one . . . LOVED that synth. Sold it 'cause it started falling apart . . . that was a long time ago. I've got GForce on a few Macs and they're great too ! I think it's more about how well you know your synth to get the most out of it. Hardware-wize I had Micro, Multi, Mini, Poly Moogs, Korgs, Rolands and more... I always enjoyed having a variety of "flavors" in the audio arsenal... real ear candy ! I also use other softsynths... GForce makes a great MiniMonsta, String Machine, ImpOSCar (I & 2), M-Tron and the M-Tron Pro (these sound as bad as the originals LOL... had two of them over the years), M1, UniVox. A multitude of Hammons & Leslies, Rhoads, ARP String Ensamble and so much more... Then again... back in the 80's a friend of mine had a CZ101 he cut some smokin'tracks with. My point might be: USE WHAT'CHA GOT!!!
Finally we get to see it in the hands of someone who properly knows the instrument. Best video of this synth so far by a country mile.. can't wait for the full review
Nice to hear you mention Gary Numan buddy,he's one of my main reasons for wanting an odyssey.It features all over his albums from Telekon (1980) up until Berserker (1984)..... Ordered my mk 111 today ;-)
In the coming indepth review It would be cool to have a 3 way comparison at some point in the video as prospective buyers looking for the "ARP sound" will be looking on ebay for a vintage one, looking at the slim key re issue from Korg and also looking at the software version from Geforce software.
thanks for doing this but did you not hear that the two synths were slightly out of tune? interested to know, I mean when you were comparing between the two, the tuning was slightly off and it was throwing me from being able to compare them in me ed.
The Korg Odyssey video we've been waiting on. Dave nails it whilst also offering easily the best demo yet (by FAR) we've heard of this thing. We hardly heard it at all from NAMM (apart from the shortest demos ever of the filter modes & overdrive thing) & the Korg event at NAMM was a joke.
Regarding mini-keys.. as an MS-20 mini owner (and Yamaha VSS-30 + PSS-51) they take a little adjustment when used with regular keyboards, but the muscle memory soon gets used to it! I would rather use MIDI keyboard and have the mini-keyboard removed making space for a second LFO, 2 SQ-1 sequencers and patch points for third option on each switch. Outputs from LFO, Osc. 1+2 Sq + Saw, S/H, EGs.. maybe a special edition Korg?
Well, I'm going to have to say Korg did a spectacular job on this iconic reproduction. Yes, there are very minor differences but so slight I don't honestly see how there would be any noticeable difference after multitracking and processing. The more narrow keys "might" be a little problematic for me personally as I have large hands but, I think I can get over that looking at the price differences between an original and this one.
This may not be an original issue synthesizer, but that shouldn't matter. Having owned (and turned away) a pre-owned Axxe Mark II with that abysmal, protruding keyboard, the uppermost A key of which was damaged, I can proudly say that I would sooner have a "ballpark" interpretation that hasn't got that firetrap keyboard. You were right when you remarked about how significant it is to have a brand new version of the Odyssey for this generation. My microKorg XL has even smaller keys. I've played whole jobs with that synth alone (of course, I play guitar mainly). The size of the keys isn't an issue for me in choosing the module over this version. It's that I've got too many keyboards.
Very nice comparison and very fair. Other people comparing clones with the originals should take notes because 90% of the time they don’t dial in the sounds to make a true comparison they always copy the patch without taking into account the difference in fader or knob size etc
Thanks Dave and Sonic State for putting things straight sound-wise. There's more grit and grime in the real thing in certain settings but that could be an age issue as well, it came out more than three decades ago, after all. The slim keys don't bother me, I'd play it from my master keyboard anyway if I had it in my setup. Perhaps Korg will grace us with a full-size Ody kit like they did with the new MS-20, in the meantime I'm going to start saving my pennies for this one here, it sounds great on its own and is a more than viable alternative to buying an original Odyssey which would set you back at least three or four times the price of the reboot and probably more if it would have to be serviced. Have to agree with Dave, it will be interesting to see what the next generation of musicians is going to do with it. Kudos to Korg for having the balls to release this machine, taking up the challenge to replicate such a legendary synth is no mean feat at all.
it's very obvious that the new one has a faster envelope generator, considering the originals got a slow envelope generator, korg probably implemented that mod that fixes/quickens the envelope.
The sounds were REALLY close throughout the video, the original having that little extra "warble" to it. But man, that ring modulator on the ARP sounds so much better, more character, more lively. The korg ring mod sounded good on its own, but lacked in comparison.
Boss space echo. Does delay and reverb. Not sure if its completely analog. You could go with the original. The Roland RE-201 space echo. I have both, use both.
You forget about the keys very quickly IMO , at least I did on my ms20 mini. Bit daft passing up excellent synths because you want one inch more of a key , in my opinion.
Cheers... I picked up the MS-20 kit with full sized keys and love it. I haven't had the chance to try these on the Odyssey, but I didn't feel "at home" on the mini keys of the MS-20 mini.
I know your just going with what was the more popular stuff of the era, but the Odysee was Klaus Schulze's first 'proper" keyboard synth, he would do some amazing things with it, not the least of which was the seuencer sounding sample and hold sound on the opening of "Totem" from Picture Music... awesome this machine is revived :-)
How can you compare this to Moog sub 37.. I am thinking of buying one or wouldn't i go wrong if i buy the two ? .. I am new to Analog and i think this Arp would make someone understand synthesis much better or not? .. I will appreciate your opinion .. Thanks ..
JIB AAA the sub 37 is also laid out perfectly to educate someone on analog synthesis. I think the moog would be an amazing first analog synth for anyone and especially for learning. It’s a modern classic too, can’t see it going out of fashion for decades at least
I have to be honest here. I prefer the tone and size of the new ARP Odyssey. Seems to be bigger and fuller. But, that is just me. Fact is, if you prefer one over the other, you have full rights to that opinion. So, were I to buy any synths today, it'd be the new ARP Odyssey, and the DSI Prophet 12. Those two would take care of all my synthesis needs. As I said, my opinion only.
Thanks for this. I've been a HUGE fan of the GForce Oddity for many years and will continue to use it. However... I'm HYPED to have one of my own. Hoping that they come with a "desktop" model, sans keyboard BEFORE I make my purchase.
I understand foreshortening it, but using a shrinky dink mini keyboard is just madness. A note about the two voice mode. I seem to remember you could stop the retriggering of the ADSR by running a patch cord from gate out to gate in, making the Odyssey think it was being gated externally without a trigger.
This is my second time watching this video. I've seen it before maybe two or three years ago. Back then, I actually thought your mk3 was a Behringer Odyssey because of the custom multicolored LED sliders. So, I was actually thinking you were comparing a Behringer to the Korg. Now, after watching it a second time, I realized what I thought was the Behringer is actually an original Arp mk3 and just now, I realized this video is 7 years old and was released long before the Behringer Odyssey came to market. How were you able to get those custom LED sliders? They look very nice on the mk3. Amazing work!!!! By the way, I have the Behringer Odyssey and the sliders look just like yours.
Definitely close to the real deal , few volumes differences which may suggest one is "better" than the other but nothing dramatic, thank you for having done that comparison! What about a comparison with your soft emulation ?
Excellent review, can't wait for the full one. The new one sounds great, but at points it sounds like it misses out a little on some subtle grunginess in the old ones sound. I believe the new one has a drive section though, does that make a difference if applied subtly?
Marc, I had a brilliant synthesist acquaintance of mine, insist that the overdrive (which is not adjustable by the way) be used at all times on the Korg "Odyssey". Prior to actually owning one, the purist in me thought that I would probably use it only very occasionally, if I used it at all. Now that I own an Avatar too, I can really see/hear what he meant. Even with the overdrive engaged, the Avatar undeniably has (for want of a better word) far more "presence" about it. I should say at this point that I like the Korg recreation very much indeed but it just sounds like its sonic character has been somewhat tamed in comparison with the original.
I don't find the original to be more "beautiful," just the thinnest hair different. Which you'd find more so between any two original Oddys. But thanks for showing us how thin those hairs are split.
Damn, thanks for your great comparison! Glad to hear that it is close to the original. Although I got my Korg Oddy 3 days ago, I am only jealous of your tuned lights on your original, hehe ;-) I am looking forward for your full review! Would be glad when you have time to check my musical demo with 7 Oddy tracks I uploaded today :-)
Your oddly track is mint mate I've heard it today I'm seriously thinking of this but I've got the dominion on order, 7 weeks to wait lol. This is less synth obviously but less money, I do like korg though and what they do and especially with this beast.
jamie munro Thank you very much for your great feedback on my Odyssey Demo! This synth is so amazing and inspiring,and of course great sounding! But I am pretty sure with your Dominion (Iwatched a demo a few days ago) you will also have much fun! It's also an fantastic synth. It is even more flexible in sound possibilities, but two thing you can't get from it, fun with the sliders and the typical ARP Odyssey sound ;-)
I have to admit that the Korg is damned close (but then again it should be, it's using the original schematics). But I'm also put off by the slim keys. Great A/B review though.
I really like both they are incredibly close, the korg sounds a we bit more uniform, while the original sounds more unpredictable, both are very close indeed
Great review,!! The audiophile in me can't help thinking comparing the smallest nuances with a modded original not quite sure. If we were being so pedantic then we could (from electronics POV) argue .. 'ahhh different faders!' and added switch, that would be enough to very subtly change the sound due to actual tolerances of components used. Again good comparison, glad I ordered one!!
First to view, first to comment! On a note of the Korg Odyssey - it seems very faithful to the original instrument, and if I was looking for the sounds it makes in my music - I would surely get it.
Looks like Dave's ARP was restored by Phil Cirocco, or at least he installed the CMS Lumina kit, unless anybody else also makes those twinkly sliders. Assuming that the Korg, like Dave's Oddity emulation, has the rehabbed 4075 filter and not the original handicapped one that ARP accidentally released. Can't argue that it sounds great and can see why Dave featured it on the original Oddity. But the 4035 ladder (which both the Korg and Oddity 2 can also do, along with the 4012) is in no way shabby. In fact, it's way wilder and the reason why a lot of folks prefer our early Black and Golds. No doubt the "Full review coming soon" will carefully compare the other two filter sets as well.
I use to own that ARP Oddy before I sold it to Dave & Chris at G-Force :) I bought the Lumina kit from CMS and fitted it myself. I also took the original 4075 VCF out and replaced it with a Dual 4023/4035 VCF and added an aftertouch strip for LFO depth modulation. I sold it to fund the build of an "expanded" ARP2600 clone (3 x FULL VCO's with sync). www.flickr.com/photos/arp2600clone/sets/72157635156301330/
Synth Builder "with sync" ? dang, that and duophonic was all that kept me from feeling outright inferior to lucky 2600 owners. looks like you did a beautiful job on your synth. so am i wrong assuming that Dave was comparing the Korg to the 4035 filter. (or did he swap a 4075 back in there?) either way, the new one seems faithful, but the original might have like 1% more mojo.
Dale Davidson Both the 4035 and 4075 actually sound very similar - many people assume the 4035 is a direct "infringement" of the Minimoog VCF. Although it uses the same basic Transistor ladder, the resonance level stays the same throughout the frequency range, whereas with the Minimoog VCF, the resonance drops off at lower frequencies, giving that rich bottom end. I still prefer the "zing" of the 4023 ;) I'm waiting for my local music store to get them in stock, then I'll make my mind up... It's just those slim keys that put me off.
The older one seems more refined and mellow, more violin like. The new one seems quite harsh and bright at times. Technically I suppose the new one has more range but it somehow lacks that "fineness"
I kinda wish they'd do a 100% sized version. I like some real estate. Very good and even handed comapro, especially from a software synth guy. Excellent. I'd be happy enough with the Korg. Maintenance considerations disappear as well. The original would be increasingly hard to keep 'on the road' as time goes on.
It's always people that can't play a keyboard to save their life on sites complaining about smaller keys. Get a new argument kids,you don't have the cash or need for these synths anyway.
JimBobJrJackson Earmonkey i have a rather large collection of vintage synths.more important than key size is playability. there are no shortage of synths and midi controllers with horrible full size keys. 86 percent scale doesnt translate to minikeys either,not in the korg,novation,etc sense.if anyone thinks smaller keys impede on playing,i suggest watching any dorian concept microkorg video.
***** And you must have fat chorizo sausage fingers. Maybe you should have picked up the bass guitar, or the drums. Carpenters also benefit from giant hands and fat fingers.
The new one sounds great. Maybe slightly different at times but, not in an inferior way. I'm more of a programmer than a player. The keys are not much of a big deal for me.
Great vid, picked one up the other day. Recorded some after ten minutes of plugging it in, great Synth, but agree the keys are a bit rubbish and the transpose switch seems like it will break with too much force, but am happy with it. soundcloud.com/magikroom/korg-arp-odyssey
Thank you for the very good comparison!!! But ! ...the Original is much louder in the video than the reisue so it (the vintage one) must sound beter ;) Cheers from berlin
yes slightly...the original didn't have any tuning reference tone either..makes it a "mare" on gigs...the korg slim keys version is rock solid in tuning by the looks of it.
cresshead The Korg version is difficult to tune as well, you have no real reference point and the fader scaling is quite uneven. However, once in tune it seems to stay there extremely well, both in time and keyrange.
Well the tuning on the korg was more robust. And its obviously the same design/circuit, just the difference in component age/spec that you get with any new product. Original sounds more wild though, less output maybe (I'm sure the output bits are different) but sharper. Korg easier to work with, Arp just way cooler. Does any of this matter, of course not! Play 'em all! Just what my ears are tellin' me
There is a difference when you use surface mount components when compared to the original through-hole components. Look up Abstrakt Instruments' forthcoming Avalon. They used through-hole components and cloned the PCB layout part-per-part to get the same sound as the original TB-303. Brian Castro said that other layouts just didn't get it right. I assume the same goes with the new Odyssey. I'm sure it's close (enough), but there will be (not so) subtle differences.
"This is the ARP Odyssey" (showing a frankenstein led version).
Made me smile, thanks.
Ola Ljungars pretty much 😁
Billy Currie, John Foxx and the other bugger Gary Numan, they not only introduced me to the Odyssey but to the whole world of Synthesizers.
Thanks guys and thanks Sonicstate you are all stars in my eyes!
Chris Hack me to incredible Sinth
Yep, same story here. There's something about synths that has always fired me up! And it began really with Gary Numan for me, and built from there.
Too right mate 👍
1st class review, best I've seen so far. Someone who knows what their on about makes a huge difference. I think it's a little pricey at the moment, definitely want one eventually though. Thanks for the review Dave S.
Great demo, Dave. Your classic ARP (plus all the snow outside here) has put me in the mood for Christmas again :)
Masterclass, thank you Dave. Could watch this stuff for hours.
im not hearing any differences in the ring mods here on my Focal monitors.
Alan R Pearlman didn’t deck that “real” Odyssey out with tacky Christmas tree lights, and David Friend was involved in the recreation. Feels like we’re playing knifey spooney here.
The original seems more out of control, thus creating more harmonics overall. Corporate decisions like tiny keys really make you wonder about who made the decision and their sanity.
Dave, you are one brilliant engineer. I've been a loyal user from almost day one, and ugh, what I wouldn't give to sit down and talk signal processing and EE with you...
man now this is a proper comparison (which is EXTREMELY close) ... the magic of level matching
First Odyssey was the white one . . . LOVED that synth. Sold it 'cause it started falling apart . . . that was a long time ago. I've got GForce on a few Macs and they're great too ! I think it's more about how well you know your synth to get the most out of it. Hardware-wize I had Micro, Multi, Mini, Poly Moogs, Korgs, Rolands and more... I always enjoyed having a variety of "flavors" in the audio arsenal... real ear candy ! I also use other softsynths... GForce makes a great MiniMonsta, String Machine, ImpOSCar (I & 2), M-Tron and the M-Tron Pro (these sound as bad as the originals LOL... had two of them over the years), M1, UniVox. A multitude of Hammons & Leslies, Rhoads, ARP String Ensamble and so much more... Then again... back in the 80's a friend of mine had a CZ101 he cut some smokin'tracks with. My point might be: USE WHAT'CHA GOT!!!
Owning a shed load of analogue gear myself, I like the time you took to go through its peculiarities and specific architecture
Finally we get to see it in the hands of someone who properly knows the instrument. Best video of this synth so far by a country mile.. can't wait for the full review
Nice to hear you mention Gary Numan buddy,he's one of my main reasons for wanting an odyssey.It features all over his albums from Telekon (1980) up until Berserker (1984)..... Ordered my mk 111 today ;-)
In the coming indepth review It would be cool to have a 3 way comparison at some point in the video as prospective buyers looking for the "ARP sound" will be looking on ebay for a vintage one, looking at the slim key re issue from Korg and also looking at the software version from Geforce software.
thanks for doing this but did you not hear that the two synths were slightly out of tune?
interested to know, I mean when you were comparing between the two, the tuning was slightly off and it was throwing me from being able to compare them in me ed.
The Korg Odyssey video we've been waiting on. Dave nails it whilst also offering easily the best demo yet (by FAR) we've heard of this thing. We hardly heard it at all from NAMM (apart from the shortest demos ever of the filter modes & overdrive thing) & the Korg event at NAMM was a joke.
Regarding mini-keys.. as an MS-20 mini owner (and Yamaha VSS-30 + PSS-51) they take a little adjustment when used with regular keyboards, but the muscle memory soon gets used to it!
I would rather use MIDI keyboard and have the mini-keyboard removed making space for a second LFO, 2 SQ-1 sequencers and patch points for third option on each switch. Outputs from LFO, Osc. 1+2 Sq + Saw, S/H, EGs.. maybe a special edition Korg?
I'm waiting for the Behringer one I think it has a sequencer built in which would be great!
Can that LED retrofit be done on the Korg?
"This heavily modified instrument will always be the original." LOL
+Poindexter Frink the new one is more modded than the original you see here :-) you can call it factory modded or "Korg" Arp Odyssey.
Tonguç Endem sounds exactly like the original.
Well, I'm going to have to say Korg did a spectacular job on this iconic reproduction. Yes, there are very minor differences but so slight I don't honestly see how there would be any noticeable difference after multitracking and processing. The more narrow keys "might" be a little problematic for me personally as I have large hands but, I think I can get over that looking at the price differences between an original and this one.
This may not be an original issue synthesizer, but that shouldn't matter. Having owned (and turned away) a pre-owned Axxe Mark II with that abysmal, protruding keyboard, the uppermost A key of which was damaged, I can proudly say that I would sooner have a "ballpark" interpretation that hasn't got that firetrap keyboard. You were right when you remarked about how significant it is to have a brand new version of the Odyssey for this generation.
My microKorg XL has even smaller keys. I've played whole jobs with that synth alone (of course, I play guitar mainly). The size of the keys isn't an issue for me in choosing the module over this version. It's that I've got too many keyboards.
Led lights looks so beautiful!!! I wish they were available for public as well.
Been waiting for this (Dave's Opinion) & it really clarifies a lot of things. Thank you!
'Who's the other bugger...Oh yes, Gary Numan....' :-)
Very nice comparison and very fair. Other people comparing clones with the originals should take notes because 90% of the time they don’t dial in the sounds to make a true comparison they always copy the patch without taking into account the difference in fader or knob size etc
probably the more lively ring mod is the fact that the VCO's are more out of tune producing more atonal harmonics?
I wondered about that too. I definitely preferred the original for the ring mod sound, but it's hard to know what factors might have been in play.
Thanks Dave - great to hear your take on the new version!
Thanks Dave and Sonic State for putting things straight sound-wise. There's more grit and grime in the real thing in certain settings but that could be an age issue as well, it came out more than three decades ago, after all. The slim keys don't bother me, I'd play it from my master keyboard anyway if I had it in my setup. Perhaps Korg will grace us with a full-size Ody kit like they did with the new MS-20, in the meantime I'm going to start saving my pennies for this one here, it sounds great on its own and is a more than viable alternative to buying an original Odyssey which would set you back at least three or four times the price of the reboot and probably more if it would have to be serviced. Have to agree with Dave, it will be interesting to see what the next generation of musicians is going to do with it. Kudos to Korg for having the balls to release this machine, taking up the challenge to replicate such a legendary synth is no mean feat at all.
it's very obvious that the new one has a faster envelope generator, considering the originals got a slow envelope generator, korg probably implemented that mod that fixes/quickens the envelope.
Yer original/modified odyssey really looks like a dream toy for an early eighties kid! :)
Great review guys cleared a lot of concerns up in this
The sounds were REALLY close throughout the video, the original having that little extra "warble" to it. But man, that ring modulator on the ARP sounds so much better, more character, more lively. The korg ring mod sounded good on its own, but lacked in comparison.
Either the envelope or VCA blooms on the attack just a little different in each one.
I want to buy an fx pedal for my Arp. an analog delay or analog reverb. I can only afford one. What you pick? :)
Boss space echo. Does delay and reverb. Not sure if its completely analog. You could go with the original. The Roland RE-201 space echo. I have both, use both.
the roland 210 is pretty amazing, kind of hard to get a hold of but worth the money I think.
Both sound great but I also cannot get pass the small keys. Maybe Korg will make a full size keyboard model next year.
That's exactly how I feel Matt... I hope they release a full key sized version of this soon
You forget about the keys very quickly IMO , at least I did on my ms20 mini.
Bit daft passing up excellent synths because you want one inch more of a key , in my opinion.
jamie munro
Daft? Well thanks for the insult
It's not an insult, it's a generalised comment not aimed at you
Sorry if it offended you Steven if wasn't meant to
Cheers... I picked up the MS-20 kit with full sized keys and love it. I haven't had the chance to try these on the Odyssey, but I didn't feel "at home" on the mini keys of the MS-20 mini.
I'm thinking of getting ARP Oddysey MK3. Those illumniated faders look great
I know your just going with what was the more popular stuff of the era,
but the Odysee was Klaus Schulze's first 'proper" keyboard synth, he would do some amazing things with it, not the least of which was the seuencer sounding sample and hold sound on the opening of "Totem" from Picture Music...
awesome this machine is revived :-)
So Dave, is the new FS going to sound more like the original with the Ring mod?
a gifted and intelligent presentation.
ARPs are APRs an Moogs are Moogs. I got a Korg ARP and Subsequent37 love both of them!
How can you compare this to Moog sub 37.. I am thinking of buying one or wouldn't i go wrong if i buy the two ? .. I am new to Analog and i think this Arp would make someone understand synthesis much better or not? .. I will appreciate your opinion .. Thanks ..
Sub 37 has very different functionality: arpeggiator, sequencer, presets.. excellent keyboard.
JIB AAA the sub 37 is also laid out perfectly to educate someone on analog synthesis. I think the moog would be an amazing first analog synth for anyone and especially for learning. It’s a modern classic too, can’t see it going out of fashion for decades at least
I have to be honest here. I prefer the tone and size of the new ARP Odyssey. Seems to be bigger and fuller. But, that is just me. Fact is, if you prefer one over the other, you have full rights to that opinion. So, were I to buy any synths today, it'd be the new ARP Odyssey, and the DSI Prophet 12. Those two would take care of all my synthesis needs. As I said, my opinion only.
totally agree! the original sounds so weak in comparison!
Thanks for this. I've been a HUGE fan of the GForce Oddity for many years and will continue to use it. However... I'm HYPED to have one of my own. Hoping that they come with a "desktop" model, sans keyboard BEFORE I make my purchase.
I understand foreshortening it, but using a shrinky dink mini keyboard is just madness. A note about the two voice mode. I seem to remember you could stop the retriggering of the ADSR by running a patch cord from gate out to gate in, making the Odyssey think it was being gated externally without a trigger.
This is my second time watching this video. I've seen it before maybe two or three years ago. Back then, I actually thought your mk3 was a Behringer Odyssey because of the custom multicolored LED sliders. So, I was actually thinking you were comparing a Behringer to the Korg. Now, after watching it a second time, I realized what I thought was the Behringer is actually an original Arp mk3 and just now, I realized this video is 7 years old and was released long before the Behringer Odyssey came to market.
How were you able to get those custom LED sliders? They look very nice on the mk3. Amazing work!!!!
By the way, I have the Behringer Odyssey and the sliders look just like yours.
Definitely close to the real deal , few volumes differences which may suggest one is "better" than the other but nothing dramatic,
thank you for having done that comparison!
What about a comparison with your soft emulation ?
great review dave, nice playing. so is the case/chassis made of metal?
Excellent review, can't wait for the full one. The new one sounds great, but at points it sounds like it misses out a little on some subtle grunginess in the old ones sound. I believe the new one has a drive section though, does that make a difference if applied subtly?
They sound nearly identical.
Marc, I had a brilliant synthesist acquaintance of mine, insist that the overdrive (which is not adjustable by the way) be used at all times on the Korg "Odyssey". Prior to actually owning one, the purist in me thought that I would probably use it only very occasionally, if I used it at all. Now that I own an Avatar too, I can really see/hear what he meant. Even with the overdrive engaged, the Avatar undeniably has (for want of a better word) far more "presence" about it. I should say at this point that I like the Korg recreation very much indeed but it just sounds like its sonic character has been somewhat tamed in comparison with the original.
Awesome :-)
Thanks for the video.
Can't wait for mine to arrive....it is a long wait.
What model stand is the ARP sitting on?
I don't find the original to be more "beautiful," just the thinnest hair different. Which you'd find more so between any two original Oddys. But thanks for showing us how thin those hairs are split.
You're right, most of the time the old one as an increased volume in comparison with the korg which don't provide a right perception.
This this the board that was brought up for Telekon choruses
Thank you Dave. Nice video.
Damn, thanks for your great comparison! Glad to hear that it is close to the original. Although I got my Korg Oddy 3 days ago, I am only jealous of your tuned lights on your original, hehe ;-) I am looking forward for your full review!
Would be glad when you have time to check my musical demo with 7 Oddy tracks I uploaded today :-)
Your oddly track is mint mate I've heard it today
I'm seriously thinking of this but I've got the dominion on order, 7 weeks to wait lol.
This is less synth obviously but less money, I do like korg though and what they do and especially with this beast.
jamie munro Thank you very much for your great feedback on my Odyssey Demo!
This synth is so amazing and inspiring,and of course great sounding!
But I am pretty sure with your Dominion (Iwatched a demo a few days ago) you will also have much fun! It's also an fantastic synth. It is even more flexible in sound possibilities, but two thing you can't get from it,
fun with the sliders and the typical ARP Odyssey sound ;-)
Yes you are right there on both counts
The Odyssey does sound fantastic
I hope to see more vids from you soon 😉
THEMASCHINER
OfCourse more ARPOddy Vids are coming :-)
And I am interested what kinda synth you will choose in the end :-)))
Looking forward to them 👍
And yes as soon as the shop gets one of them hopefully I can make up mind Arfrggghhhh
I have to admit that the Korg is damned close (but then again it should be, it's using the original schematics). But I'm also put off by the slim keys. Great A/B review though.
yeah yeah yeah this video is a killer surprise by sonic state, just the man i wanted to see explaining all this :D
Very nice. Thanks for this. Seems like they did a very good job.
I really like both they are incredibly close, the korg sounds a we bit more uniform, while the original sounds more unpredictable, both are very close indeed
agree .the korg has less randomness.
Is the FS Korg closer in sound to the original ARP Odyssey? (larger synths usually have more heft) … If so, how much closer?! 🙏🏼
At last. The comparison fab pair of synths. Hats off to korg.
Great review,!!
The audiophile in me can't help thinking comparing the smallest nuances with a modded original not quite sure. If we were being so pedantic then we could (from electronics POV) argue .. 'ahhh different faders!' and added switch, that would be enough to very subtly change the sound due to actual tolerances of components used.
Again good comparison, glad I ordered one!!
What keyboard stand is used in this vid?
Could they really not have given it full midi?
where did you get the stand from ? thanks
what filer setting is the "VINTAGE ARP ODYSSEY" set on ? as you mention that you have all 3 installed.
It is a matter of taste. I think I actually prefer the sound of the clone. Sounds thicker to me.
Korg bought arp?
Someone finally did a proper review. Thanks Dave
First to view, first to comment! On a note of the Korg Odyssey - it seems very faithful to the original instrument, and if I was looking for the sounds it makes in my music - I would surely get it.
I'm not a big time musician but no matter how good this thing is SMALL KEYS PUT ME OFF
Looks like Dave's ARP was restored by Phil Cirocco, or at least he installed the CMS Lumina kit, unless anybody else also makes those twinkly sliders. Assuming that the Korg, like Dave's Oddity emulation, has the rehabbed 4075 filter and not the original handicapped one that ARP accidentally released. Can't argue that it sounds great and can see why Dave featured it on the original Oddity. But the 4035 ladder (which both the Korg and Oddity 2 can also do, along with the 4012) is in no way shabby. In fact, it's way wilder and the reason why a lot of folks prefer our early Black and Golds. No doubt the "Full review coming soon" will carefully compare the other two filter sets as well.
I use to own that ARP Oddy before I sold it to Dave & Chris at G-Force :) I bought the Lumina kit from CMS and fitted it myself. I also took the original 4075 VCF out and replaced it with a Dual 4023/4035 VCF and added an aftertouch strip for LFO depth modulation. I sold it to fund the build of an "expanded" ARP2600 clone (3 x FULL VCO's with sync). www.flickr.com/photos/arp2600clone/sets/72157635156301330/
Synth Builder "with sync" ? dang, that and duophonic was all that kept me from feeling outright inferior to lucky 2600 owners. looks like you did a beautiful job on your synth.
so am i wrong assuming that Dave was comparing the Korg to the 4035 filter. (or did he swap a 4075 back in there?) either way, the new one seems faithful, but the original might have like 1% more mojo.
Dale Davidson
Both the 4035 and 4075 actually sound very similar - many people assume the 4035 is a direct "infringement" of the Minimoog VCF. Although it uses the same basic Transistor ladder, the resonance level stays the same throughout the frequency range, whereas with the Minimoog VCF, the resonance drops off at lower frequencies, giving that rich bottom end. I still prefer the "zing" of the 4023 ;)
I'm waiting for my local music store to get them in stock, then I'll make my mind up... It's just those slim keys that put me off.
Thanks for the great review
The older one seems more refined and mellow, more violin like. The new one seems quite harsh and bright at times. Technically I suppose the new one has more range but it somehow lacks that "fineness"
+Elliott Urban Absolutely spot on mate, was thinking the same myself!
I would wager that a new analogue will sound brighter anyway. give it 30 years and it will have mellowed a bit :-)
+Richard James true, let it warm up ;)
I like your demo - it's a more honest comparison.
used all over tracks by Herbie Hancock. I like the remake. I actually prefer the smaller new version
You have to admit, Korg's been on fire of late.
I kinda wish they'd do a 100% sized version. I like some real estate. Very good and even handed comapro, especially from a software synth guy. Excellent.
I'd be happy enough with the Korg. Maintenance considerations disappear as well. The original would be increasingly hard to keep 'on the road' as time goes on.
Thanks Dave! Great video.
Excellent comparison here, my thanks.
Regards
It's always people that can't play a keyboard to save their life on sites complaining about smaller keys. Get a new argument kids,you don't have the cash or need for these synths anyway.
Dave complained about the smaller keys. I'm guessing he has a few more synths than most anybody you or I know.
JimBobJrJackson Earmonkey i have a rather large collection of vintage synths.more important than key size is playability. there are no shortage of synths and midi controllers with horrible full size keys. 86 percent scale doesnt translate to minikeys either,not in the korg,novation,etc sense.if anyone thinks smaller keys impede on playing,i suggest watching any dorian concept microkorg video.
i also have to add that the korg has a higher build quality than the original oddy.
Thank you
I'm bored of hearing the same crap out of people's chops
***** And you must have fat chorizo sausage fingers. Maybe you should have picked up the bass guitar, or the drums. Carpenters also benefit from giant hands and fat fingers.
Oi, this is the Telekon studio kit!!!
Incredibly close.
The original is out of budget but the the Korg Arp I could afford, sounds great.
Nicely done
The new one sounds great. Maybe slightly different at times but, not in an inferior way. I'm more of a programmer than a player. The keys are not much of a big deal for me.
Great video Dave.
Great vid, picked one up the other day. Recorded some after ten minutes of plugging it in, great Synth, but agree the keys are a bit rubbish and the transpose switch seems like it will break with too much force, but am happy with it.
soundcloud.com/magikroom/korg-arp-odyssey
I'll take the Korg, thanks. Cool video. :)
top notch demo
Thank you for the very good comparison!!!
But ! ...the Original is much louder in the video than the reisue so it (the vintage one) must sound beter ;)
Cheers from berlin
Your original ARP is out of tune.
yes slightly...the original didn't have any tuning reference tone either..makes it a "mare" on gigs...the korg slim keys version is rock solid in tuning by the looks of it.
cresshead The Korg version is difficult to tune as well, you have no real reference point and the fader scaling is quite uneven. However, once in tune it seems to stay there extremely well, both in time and keyrange.
Difficult to tune?? Use a guitar tuner.
Almost every phone can download a tuning app.
great video
This video totally killed the Korg for me back in 2015.
Well the tuning on the korg was more robust. And its obviously the same design/circuit, just the difference in component age/spec that you get with any new product. Original sounds more wild though, less output maybe (I'm sure the output bits are different) but sharper. Korg easier to work with, Arp just way cooler. Does any of this matter, of course not! Play 'em all! Just what my ears are tellin' me
I have one I love it . it's called Amber 💗
👍
There is a difference when you use surface mount components when compared to the original through-hole components. Look up Abstrakt Instruments' forthcoming Avalon. They used through-hole components and cloned the PCB layout part-per-part to get the same sound as the original TB-303. Brian Castro said that other layouts just didn't get it right. I assume the same goes with the new Odyssey. I'm sure it's close (enough), but there will be (not so) subtle differences.
Gary Numan - the other bugger.